Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Skip Practice Session Ahead Of Ranchi ODI

Updated - 07 Mar 2019, 11:38 PM

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Matthew Hayden
Getty Images

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Before the third ODI of the series against Australia, the members of the Indian cricket team attended the optional practice session in Ranchi earlier today.

However, Indian spinner Virat Kohli and his deputy Rohit Sharma were not a part of it as they skipper the optional session.

Both the players opted to take rest prior to the ODI that will be played tomorrow. Despite them missing the net session, there are no signs that either of the two will be rested.

India look set to retain the playing XI for third ODI as well and any changes are only expected to take place in the squad once India seal the series.

Kedar Jadhav, Rohit Sharma
Kedar Jadhav and Rohit Sharma. (Image Courtesy: BCCI)

If Indian win the third ODI, they will get an unassailable lead of 3-0. From the fourth ODI, the team can look to experiment and make changes in the playing XI.

An unlikely playing XI will also mean that there will be no place for either of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant.

Both the players were recalled to India’s ODI squad but weren’t in playing XI in the first two games.

They both though were a part of playing XI in the two T20I.

Rahul played well in the series and scored 97 runs but Rishabh could not do much with the bat.

Rahul’s performance in T20Is were expected to get him a place in playing XI in ODIs but that wasn’t the case.

In fact, he hasn’t played an ODI since Asia Cup and his last appearance in this format only came when India made five changes to their playing XI.

The only change that one can expect in playing XI is Yuzvendra Chahal coming in.

It is also tough for him to make a comeback but still, there can be a case when he might play.

Bhuveshwar Kumar, despite making a comeback in ODIs, is not expected to make it to the playing XI.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, India vs Australia 2019
Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Image Courtesy: Getty

He might on be given a chance for the final two ODIs, if India wins the series in Ranchi itself.

The upcoming ODI could very well be the final one for MS Dhoni at his home ground.

The former Indian skipper is expected t take a call on his career after 2019 World Cup and he is expected to retire from the game after the tournament.

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Rohit Sharma Virat Kohli